Dream It. Do It. — Rachel Jelks Coaches Entrepreneurs in the Disability Service Industry

HOUSTON, TEXAS-- What if your next business venture could provide a path toward financial independence while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others?For established businesswoman Rachel Jelks, founder of TEAM Abilities, that opportunity became a reality in 2010 when she established her company to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Sixteen years later, Jelks is sharing her entrepreneurial experience with others who want to explore opportunities in this essential and growing industry.On Thursday, October 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Jelks will host DREAM IT. DO IT., a FREE, hands-on financial empowerment workshop at 140 Cypress Station Drive, Conference Room, Houston, Texas 77090, conveniently located near FM 1960 and Interstate 45. A light lunch will be served.The workshop is built around three questions that every aspiring entrepreneur needs answered: WHAT IT TAKES. WHAT IT COSTS. AND WHO CAN HELP YOU GET STARTED.The demand for quality services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities continues to create opportunities for qualified entrepreneurs interested in residential and community-based care.According to an October 2026 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation, one of the nation's leading independent, nonprofit organizations specializing in healthcare policy research, public health information, and healthcare journalism, there are approximately 650,000 individuals nationwide who are on Medicaid home- and community-based services waiting or interest lists. A substantial majority are individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities.While these figures represent a broad range of community-based services rather than residential placements alone, they illustrate the continuing need for qualified providers capable of delivering dependable, compassionate care.For those considering entrepreneurship, this essential-services industry offers an opportunity to explore building a financially sustainable business while addressing an important community need.Jelks has gained firsthand experience developing and operating programs serving adults with special needs since establishing her agency in 2010.Now, through her mentorship program, she is helping aspiring entrepreneurs understand the business fundamentals, responsibilities, and preparation involved in establishing their own agencies.DREAM IT. DO IT. is not simply a motivational seminar. It is a working workshop designed for participants to learn by doing, with practical exercises and guidance from an entrepreneur who has spent more than 16 years building her business in the field.Participants will explore:WHAT IT TAKES: Understanding the basic requirements, responsibilities, staffing, and regulatory considerations involved in establishing an agency.WHAT IT COSTS: Exploring startup expenses, operating costs, financial planning, and the capital considerations associated with business ownership.WHO CAN HELP YOU GET STARTED: Learning about Jelks' mentorship program and the guidance available to aspiring entrepreneurs.HOW TO BEGIN: Participating in practical exercises to help identify initial goals, resources, and next steps.Attendees will also have an opportunity to learn from the experiences of others who have pursued agency ownership with Jelks' mentorship.This is a purposeful enterprise of doing well while doing good.For individuals seeking greater financial independence, a career transition, or a business venture that combines personal achievement with meaningful service, DREAM IT. DO IT. offers an opportunity to explore an industry they may never have considered.Building a successful care agency requires commitment, financial preparation, regulatory compliance, and sound business management. Financial results are not guaranteed. However, with an experienced mentor, aspiring business owners can gain a clearer understanding of the path ahead.“Let my experience lead you,” says Jelks. “Every week I get calls from those that want to duplicate what we are doing at TEAM Abilities. I tell them it is no secret and the opportunity to serve is certainly there. But there is a system that we have mastered here that can help you enter into this exciting world while also avoiding some of the pitfalls.”EVENT DETAILSDREAM IT. DO IT. — Financial Empowerment WorkshopThursday, October 22, 202610 a.m. – 2 p.m.140 Cypress Station DriveConference RoomHouston, Texas 77090Near FM 1960 and Interstate 45Admission: FREELight Lunch ProvidedFormat: Interactive, Hands-On WorkshopRegistration: Call or Text Donna Wick at 832-790-2879.ABOUT RACHEL JELKS AND TEAM ABILITIESRachel Jelks is the founder of TEAM Abilities, a Texas Home and Community-based Services (HCS) provider serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through residential and daytime support services. TEAM currently has 20 Community Living homes in Harris and Montgomery counties and a high-engagement day program. Drawing upon her experience as an entrepreneur and agency operator, Jelks offers mentorship to individuals interested in exploring business ownership in the disability services industry.